Cyprus 2010 Tax Facts

Transcription

1 Cyprus 2010 Tax Facts

2 This Grant Thornton publication aims to provide the reader with an overview and a quick reference guide to the Cyprus tax system. The information contained in this publication relates to the regulations in force as of March Specific professional advice should be obtained before taking any action.

3 About Grant Thornton Grant Thornton Cyprus is one of the oldest accounting practices on the island. Founded in 1942, the firm became a member firm within Grant Thornton International in We offer a full range of assurance, tax, specialist advisory and business support services to clients ranging from public companies and multinationals to government agencies and private business across a broad spectrum of industries. As a member firm within Grant Thornton International, we are able to combine the knowledge and experience of our local marketplace with the technologies, methodologies and specialist resources of 400 tax partners and tax professionals in Grant Thornton firms worldwide. An electronic version of this booklet can be found at:

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5 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 PERSONAL TAXATION Imposition of tax 5 Tax residence 5 Income tax rates 5 Exempt income 6 Allowable deductions 8 BUSINESS TAXATION Imposition of tax 10 Corporation tax rate 10 Exempt income 11 Allowable deductions 12 Wear and tear allowances 14 Losses 15 Company reorganisations 15 Value added tax 16 Tax treaties 22 MISCELLANEOUS International trusts 25 Foreign pensions 25 Shipping companies 26 Insurance companies 26 Taxation of non-cyprus tax residents 27 Special defence contribution 28 Deemed dividend distribution 30 Capital gains tax 31 Estate duty 32 Social grants 33 Social insurance contributions 34 1

6 CONTENTS Other contributions by employers 34 Stamp duty 35 Immovable property transfer fees 36 Immovable property - annual tax 37 Company registration fees 37 Important dates 38 Interest and penalties 39 Contacts in Cyprus 40 2

7 Introduction Since its accession to the European Union in 2004, the tax legislation of Cyprus complies with EU requirements and with the OECD initiative against harmful tax practices. Following changes made in 2008, Cyprus has also satisfied the requirements of the Group of Twenty (G-20) and the OECD by substantially implementing the internationally agreed tax standard on exchange of information. The significant tax advantages offered by Cyprus to international companies with a Cyprus tax-resident base include: double tax treaties with 45 countries favourable tax regime including corporation tax of 10%, one of the lowest rates in the EU nil withholding taxes on dividends and on interest payable to non-cyprus tax residents exemption from tax in most cases on dividends received exemption from tax on profits from operations of permanent establishments situated abroad exemption from tax on profits from disposal of shares, bonds and other securities (except in the case where the company issuing the shares owns immovable property situated in Cyprus) exemption from capital gains tax on gains arising from the disposal of immovable property situated abroad 3

8 International companies which choose to have a permanent establishment in Cyprus can enjoy additional benefits such as: strategic geographic location availability of free zone area excellent communications efficient legal, accounting and banking services liberal foreign direct investment regime highly qualified, well-educated and multilingual labour force freedom of movement of foreign currency one of the lowest crime rates in Europe All the above factors combine to make Cyprus an ideal and effective location for EU inbound and outbound investments and a preferred jurisdiction of international tax planners. 4

9 Personal Taxation IMPOSITION OF TAX Individuals who are Cyprus tax residents are subject to tax on their worldwide income, whether remitted to Cyprus or not. Individuals who are non-cyprus tax residents are subject to tax only on their Cyprus-source income. TAX RESIDENCE For Cyprus tax purposes, Cyprus tax resident is defined as an individual who, in the year of assessment (calendar year), stays in the Republic of Cyprus for a period or periods exceeding 183 days in aggregate. Days in and out of Cyprus are calculated as follows: (a) (b) (c) (d) the day of departure from Cyprus is taken as a day of residence outside Cyprus, the day of arrival in Cyprus is taken as a day of residence in Cyprus, arrival in and departure from Cyprus on the same day is taken as a day of residence in Cyprus, departure from and arrival in Cyprus the same day is taken as a day of residence outside Cyprus. INCOME TAX RATES FOR 2010 Taxable income Rate % Tax Cumulative taxable income Cumulative Tax First Next Next Over

10 EXEMPT INCOME Type of income Limit Note Widows pensions under the social insurance law or under an approved scheme 100% Profits on disposal of titles 100% 1 Remuneration from salaried services rendered outside Cyprus Dividend income 100% 100% 2 Interest income 100% 3 Remuneration of individuals who, before commencing employment in Cyprus, were not Cyprus tax residents Lump sum on retirement, commutation of pension or compensation for death or personal injury Capital sums received in respect of eligible life insurance policies or provident, pension and other funds 20% of emoluments, up to a maximum of p.a. 100% 100% 4 6

11 Notes 1 Titles means ordinary shares, founder s shares, preference shares, options on titles, debentures, bonds, short positions on titles, futures/forwards on titles, swaps on titles, depository receipts on titles like ADRs and GDRs, claim rights on bonds and debentures (excluding the rights on interest of such products), index participations (provided that they represent titles), repurchase agreements or Repos on titles, participations in companies like Russian OOO & ZAO, American LLCs (provided that they are not transparent entities), Romanian SAs & SRLs, Bulgarian ADs and OODs and units in open-ended or close-ended collective investment schemes that have been established and registered, and function, in accordance with the provisions of specific and relevant legislation in the country of the registration. Promissory notes and bills of exchange are not included under definition of titles. 2 The employer must either be a non-cyprus tax resident or a Cyprus tax resident with a permanent establishment abroad. For the exemption to apply, the service abroad must be for a period or periods of more than 90 days in aggregate in any one year of assessment. 3 The exemption does not apply if interest arises or is closely related to business activities, which will be treated as trading income. 4 The exemption applies for a period of three years, commencing on 1 January following the year of employment. 7

12 ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS Description Limit Note Annual subscriptions to trade unions and professional associations Donations to approved charitable institutions Rental income, if the rented property is a building Interest on a loan used to acquire rented properties All expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the production of income Expenditure incurred for the purpose of maintaining a preserved building 100% 100% 1 20% on gross rental income 100% 100% 2 Subject to restrictions Life insurance premiums 100% 4 & 5 Contributions to the social insurance fund Contributions to approved provident, pension, medical or other approved funds 3 100% 5 100% 5 8

13 Notes 1 In case of a loss, part of the loss up to the amount of the donation cannot be carried forward. 2 Excludes interest and/or running expenses of private motor vehicles. 3 Restriction depends on the covered area of the building. Square meters per square meter Up to 120 Up to Up to Over Up to The deduction for annual life insurance premium is restricted to 7% of the capital sum assured on death. When a life insurance policy is cancelled within six years of its inception, there is a claw-back of premium relief as follows: Cancellation (in year) % of premiums allowed treated as income % % 5 The total deduction for all the above allowances (life insurance, contributions to social insurance, provident, pension, medical or other approved fund) is restricted to 1/6 of an individual s taxable income before deducting these allowances. 9

14 Business Taxation IMPOSITION OF TAX Cyprus tax resident persons (individuals and companies) are subject to tax on their worldwide income, whether remitted to Cyprus or not. Non-Cyprus tax resident persons are subject to tax only on their Cyprus-source income. A company is subject to tax in Cyprus if its management and control is exercised in Cyprus, irrespective of its place of registration. A Company, as defined by Cyprus company law, includes any body, with or without legal personality, or public corporate body, as well as every company, fraternity or society of persons, with or without legal personality, including any comparable company incorporated or registered outside the Republic and a company listed in the First Schedule, but does not include a partnership. Partnerships are not taxable entities. The income of a partnership is attributed to the partners and is subject to income or corporation tax as the case may be. CORPORATION TAX RATE 10% of taxable income 10

15 EXEMPT INCOME Type of income Limit Note Profits on disposal of securities 100% 1 Dividend income 100% Interest income 100% 2 Profits from operations through a permanent establishment abroad 100% 3 Notes 1 The definition of titles is stated on page 7 of the booklet. 2 The exemption does not apply if interest arises or is closely related to the business activities of the entity. Exempt interest income is subject to 10% Special Defence Contribution (see page 28). 3 The exemption does not apply if the permanent establishment engages directly or indirectly more than 50% in activities which result in investment income and the foreign tax burden is significantly lower than the Cyprus tax burden. 11

16 ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS Description Limit Note Employer s contribution to the social insurance and other approved funds (excluding contributions to the social cohesion fund) on employees salaries Donations to any approved charitable institution Expenditure incurred for the purpose of maintaining a preserved building Business entertainment expenses Interest on loans to acquire assets used in a business All expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the production of income 100% 100% 1 Subject to restrictions Up to 1% of gross income, with a maximum allowable amount of % 3 100% 4 12

17 Notes 3 In case of a loss, part of the loss up to the amount of the donation cannot be carried forward. 4 Depending on the covered area of the building Square meters per square meter Up to 120 Up to Up to Over Up to Interest payable for acquiring a saloon car, whether used in the business or not, or any other asset that is not used in the business, is not allowable for the first seven years. 4 Excludes interest and running expenses of saloon (passenger) cars as classified under the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations. 13

18 WEAR AND TEAR ALLOWANCES Annual wear and tear allowances at the following rates are granted on the acquisition cost of assets used in an incorporated or unincorporated business: Description Industrial, agricultural and hotel buildings Rate (%) 4 Commercial buildings 3 Plant & machinery 10 Loose tools 33 1/3 Furniture, fixtures & fittings 10 Computer hardware and operating software 20 Motor vehicles (excluding saloon cars) 20 Excavators, tractors, bulldozers, self propelled loaders and drums for petrol companies 25 Application software 33 1/3 (100% if less than 1.709) Air-conditioning 10 Tents 10 Boilers & hot water installations 10 Printing and binding machines 10 Bore holes 10 14

19 LOSSES Tax losses incurred in any one year which cannot be set off against other profits of the same year, can be carried forward and set off against future profits for an indefinite period of time. This provision applies for all unutilised tax losses for the years 1997 and after. Relief in respect of group trading losses is allowed among Cyprus tax resident companies which are members of the same group (with at least 75% control) for the whole year. Only current year group trading losses can be surrendered from one company of the group to another. Losses of a sole trader or a partnership business converted into a limited liability company can be set off against future profits of the company. Losses of a permanent establishment abroad can be set off against the Cyprus profits of a business whether incorporated or unincorporated. However, future profits of the permanent establishment are liable to tax, to the extent of the losses allowed (loss recapture). COMPANY REORGANISATIONS Transfers of assets and liabilities between companies in the course of a reorganisation (including provisions and reserves) can be effected without any tax consequences. The term reorganisation includes exchange of shares, transfer of commercial activities, mergers and de-mergers. 15

20 VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) Imposition of VAT VAT is imposed by a person who is, or should be, registered for VAT (a taxable person) in the course of furtherance of a business on: (a) every taxable supply of goods and services made within Cyprus, other than an exempt supply (b) the acquisition of any goods in Cyprus from other European Union member states, and (c) the importation of goods from countries outside the European Union. Mechanics of VAT VAT is charged on taxable supplies of goods and services made (output tax) and is paid on purchases of goods and services received (input tax) VAT returns showing the output tax and input tax must normally be submitted every three months, or monthly if approved or directed by the VAT Commissioner if the output tax is greater than the input tax, the difference must be paid to the VAT Office within 40 days from the end of each VAT period if the output tax is less than the input tax, the difference is refundable, except where it is carried forward by Order, e.g. in a retail business. Changes from 1 January 2010 With effect from 1 January 2010, Cyprus has implemented the changes introduced by EU directives in relation to: 1. the place of supply of services 2. the introduction of an electronic VAT Refund Scheme for intra-community transactions 3. intra-community sales list form VIES 1. Place of supply of services Business to business: The new general rule for intra-ec B2B (Business to Business) supplies of services is that the place of supply is where the customer is established (as opposed to where the supplier is established, which was the case before the amendment of the legislation). The customer will have to account for VAT under the reverse 16

21 charge method. Business to consumer: For intra-ec B2C (Business to Consumer) supplies, the general rule continues to be that the place of supply of services is where the supplier is established. As was the case before 1 st January 2010, there continue to be exceptions to the general rule for certain services so as to achieve taxation in the place of consumption. These were implemented on 1 January 2010, with further changes to the where performed rule from 1 January 2011 and for longterm hire of means of transport from 1 January Electronic VAT refund scheme As from 1 January 2010, all taxable persons registered for VAT in a Member State (state of establishment) may claim electronically for the refund of any VAT paid on business expenses in another Member State (state of refund). VAT may be refunded only on prescribed business expenses in respect of input tax allowable in accordance with the VAT legislation of the Member State of refund. 3. VIES Form As from 1 January 2010, EC Sales Lists (VIES) forms need to be completed for intra-ec taxable supplies of services which are subject to the reverse charge arrangements in the customer s Member State, irrespective of amount. Suppliers of such services are therefore required to be registered for VAT. Intra-EC supplies of services which are exempt or zero-rated in the customer s Member State are not required to be listed in the VIES form. Registration Registration for VAT is compulsory for businesses with an annual turnover of taxable supplies in excess of Businesses with a lower turnover may register at their option. Zero-rated supplies should be included in the total of taxable supplies for the purposes of determining whether the threshold has been reached. If a business makes only 17

22 zero-rated supplies which exceed the threshold, it has to register for VAT. Where it has not yet taken place, registration is also required (irrespective of the amount of taxable supplies) if a person is obliged to submit a VIES form in respect of intra-ec supplies of services which are taxable in the customer s Member State. Goods or services exempt from VAT These include: land used buildings new buildings for which application for a building permit was made prior to 1 May 2004 rents banking and financial services insurance health education sports VAT tax rates The VAT legislation provides for the following four VAT rates: zero rate (0%) lower reduced rate (5%) higher reduced rate (8%) standard rate (15%) Zero-rated taxable supplies (0%) These include: exports to non EU Countries supplies to other EU member states provided the purchaser uses these supplies for business purposes foodstuffs, except in the course of catering medicines commissions received from abroad relating directly to exports of goods outside member states commissions received from abroad relating directly to the importations of goods from non EU member states where the goods are placed under customs suspensive arrangements, including temporary 18

23 storage, free zones, customs warehousing, etc. international air and sea transport Lower reduced rate taxable supplies (5%) These include: coffins supply of agricultural fertilizers and insecticides animal foods, including foods for fish and birds supply of live animals used for human consumption non-bottled water newspapers, magazines, books appliances for use by the disabled ice cream and similar products including various spices, salted or roasted products gas confectionery except biscuits and cakes, but including chocolates and chocolate covered biscuits bottled water, industrialized drinks, juice drinks (excluding carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, beer and wine) ingredients used in the production of foods medicines (excluding medicine produced under codes and of the combined terminology which have 0% VAT rate) services of writers, composers and artists, as well as the royalties received by them supply of animal feeding stuff (excluding packed food for house pets) hair salon services improvement and repair of a private residence (older than 3 years) vaccines for doctors and veterinarians (excluding those under code of the combined terminology) products for contraception products for women s health medical equipment used exclusively by handicapped persons car seats services by undertakers 19

24 road cleaning, refuse collection and recycling, other than services supplied by state authorities, local authorities and public utility corporations transport of passengers and their accompanying luggage by urban and rural buses letting of places on camping or caravan sites admission to shows, circuses, parks, concerts, museums, zoos, cinemas, theatres, galleries and similar cultural events admission to sporting events and use of sporting facilities repair of medical equipment and certain products that are used by handicapped persons medical and dental services and bathing-cure that are not exempted from VAT under paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Fifth Schedule of the VAT Law. Medical examinations or treatment of cosmetic or aesthetic nature are excluded from this paragraph accommodation in hotels, tourist and other similar establishments including provision of holiday accommodation (8% from ). Higher reduced rate taxable supplies (8%) These include: transport of passengers and their accompanying luggage with urban, suburban and rural taxis as well as with tour, excursive and suburban buses restaurant services and other similar catering services, excluding alcoholic beverages, beer and wine accommodation in hotels, tourist and other similar establishments including provision of holiday accommodation (5% from to ) domestic sea transport of passengers and their accompanying luggage Irrecoverable input tax For certain supplies of goods and services, input VAT is irrecoverable. These include: private or non business activities or the business of another person purchase, import or hire of saloon cars, unless used for qualifying purposes, such as car rental and 20

25 driving instruction, or as taxis business entertainment expenses (unless relating to employees and directors not including ancillary expenses) goods acquired in accordance with a second-hand goods scheme accommodation of directors and their connected persons purchases which directly relate to the provision of exempt supplies, subject to part-exemption provisions. Zero-rate vs. Exemption Businesses which provide zero-rated supplies are entitled to recover VAT paid, whereas businesses which only supply exempt goods or services, are not entitled to recover VAT which they have been charged on their purchases, expenses or imports. Interest and Penalties Description Interest / Penalty Late registration 85 per month Late submission of VAT return 51 Late payment 10% on VAT due plus 5,35% p.a. interest Late cancellation of registration 85 Late submission of VIES 51 per month (max 3 months) up to from

26 TAX TREATIES The existence of a wide and expanding network of double tax treaties, including particularly favourable treaties with Russia and most Eastern European Countries, combined with low taxation, makes Cyprus a key jurisdiction in international tax planning. Please note that, irrespective of the provisions of these treaties, there is no withholding tax on dividends and interest paid to non residents of Cyprus. Cyprus has concluded double tax treaties with the countries listed below. EU Countries Ratification date Austria 11 October 1990 Belgium 28 November 1999 Bulgaria 23 December 2000 Czech Republic 26 November 2009 Denmark 10 August 1981 France 28 January 1983 Germany 11 October 1977 Greece 16 January 1969 Hungary 24 November 1982 Ireland 7 February 1970 Italy 9 June 1983 Malta 11 August 1994 Poland 9 July 1993 Romania 8 November 1982 Sweden 14 November 1989 Slovenia 1 8 September 1986 Slovakia 2 30 December 1980 United Kingdom 1 November

27 Other Countries (non EU) Ratification date Armenia 3 26 August 1983 Azerbaijan 3 26 August 1983 Belarus 12 February 1999 Canada 3 September 1985 China 5 October 1991 Egypt 14 March 1995 India 21 December 1994 Kyrgyzstan 3 26 August 1983 Kuwait 25 September 1986 Lebanon 14 April 2005 Mauritius 12 June 2000 Moldova 25 April 2008 Montenegro 1 8 September 1986 Norway 11 June 1956 Qatar 20 March 2009 Russia 17 August 1999 San Marino 18 July 2007 Serbia 1 8 September 1986 Seychelles 28 June 2006 Singapore 8 February 2001 South Africa 8 December 1998 Syria 22 February 1995 Tajikistan 26 August 1983 Thailand 4 April 2000 United States 31 December 1985 Ukraine 3 26 August 1983 Uzbekistan 3 26 August

28 Notes 1. The convention between the Republic of Cyprus and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is still applicable 2. The convention between the Republic of Cyprus and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic is still applicable 3. The convention between the Republic of Cyprus and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) is still applicable 24

29 Miscellaneous SPECIAL MODES OF TAXATION INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS Trust Law in Cyprus is based on English legal principles and the legislation in force is modelled on the English Trustees Act of In 1992, the International Trust Law was enacted in order to facilitate the use of the basic law by non-residents. An international trust is a trust which has the following characteristics: the settlor is not a permanent resident of Cyprus at least one of the trustees is resident in Cyprus no beneficiary, other than a charitable institution, is a permanent resident in Cyprus the trust property does not include immovable property situated in Cyprus International trusts enjoy the following tax advantages in Cyprus: the income of the trust from sources outside Cyprus is exempt from tax, both in the hands of the trustees as well as the beneficiaries no capital gains tax is charged on the disposal of assets held FOREIGN PENSIONS Foreign pensions of a Cyprus resident individual which exceed the amount of per annum are taxable at the rate of 5%. The recipient of such pension may elect, for each year of assessment, to be taxed at the normal rates. 25

30 SHIPPING COMPANIES The profits or dividends from a company incorporated in Cyprus and owning ships registered under the Cyprus flag, which is engaged in international traffic, are exempt from taxation. The exemption applies also to the emoluments of the captain, the officers and the crew of Cyprus flag ships. Ship management companies have the option to be taxed either at 4,25% under income tax or to pay tonnage tax at 25% of the rates used to calculate the tonnage tax of ships under their management. INSURANCE COMPANIES Insurance companies are taxed at the same rate of tax as all other companies. However, where the corporation tax payable on the taxable income of the life insurance business is less than 1,5% of the gross premiums, excluding the contributions in any approved pensions, provident or other fund administered by the insurance company on behalf of its members, the insurance company has to pay the difference as additional corporation tax. 26

31 TAXATION OF NON-CYPRUS TAX RESIDENTS Subject to specific provisions in the relevant tax treaties between Cyprus and the country of residence of the persons concerned, a resident person who makes a payment to a non-cyprus tax resident is obliged to withhold and pay tax to the Revenue Authorities in the following cases: 1. Entertainers and Athletes The gross income derived by an individual from the exercise of any profession or vocation, the remuneration of public entertainers and the gross receipts of any theatrical or musical or other group of public entertainers including football clubs and other athletic missions is taxed at the rate of 10%. 2. Royalties etc Non-Cyprus tax resident individuals or companies who derive income from sources within Cyprus by way of royalties, premiums, compensation or other similar income are taxed at the rate of 10%. However, such income is exempt where the beneficial owner has direct minimum holding of 25% in a company of another EU member state or a permanent establishment of such a company. 3. Film rentals The income derived by non-cyprus tax resident individuals or companies from film rentals is taxed at 5%. However, such income is exempt where the beneficial owner has direct minimum holding of 25% in a company of another EU member state or a permanent establishment of such a company. 27

32 SPECIAL DEFENCE CONTRIBUTION Imposition Special defence contribution (SDC) is imposed on interest, dividend and rental income of Cyprus tax resident individuals and companies. Non-Cyprus tax resident companies and individuals are exempt from SDC. Special defence contribution rates Type of income Rate % Note Interest income of resident companies and individuals from sources within Cyprus Interest income of resident companies and individuals from sources outside Cyprus Interest income of resident companies and individuals arising from or closely related to the ordinary carrying on of a business Interest income of resident individuals from Cyprus Government development bonds and savings certificates Interest income of provident funds Rental income of resident companies and individuals (reduced by 25%) Dividend income of Cyprus tax resident companies Dividend income of Cyprus tax resident individuals Nil Nil 2 &

33 Notes 1 Individuals whose total yearly income including interest does not exceed are entitled to a refund of 7%. 2 Dividends received from a non-cyprus tax resident company are exempt from SDC. The exemption does not apply where the dividend paying company engages directly or indirectly more than 50% in activities which lead to investment income and the foreign tax burden is substantially lower than the Cyprus tax burden. The words substantially lower are not interpreted in the law but are taken to mean lower than 50% of the Cyprus corporation tax, i.e. lower than 5%. When the exemption does not apply, the dividend income is subject to SDC at 15%. 3 Foreign tax paid can be credited against SDC payable. 29

34 DEEMED DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION If a Cyprus tax resident company does not distribute by way of dividend at least 70% of its accounting profits (starting from the profits of the year 2003) within the year of assessment and the two years following the end of the year of assessment to which the profits refer, the company is deemed, as at the end of the two years from the end of the year of assessment, to have distributed such profits and is liable to pay SDC at 15% on the deemed dividends attributable to its shareholders, including companies, who are Cyprus tax residents. The term dividend includes the amount of surpluses arising from business profits of a public corporate body deposited to the Consolidated Fund of the Republic of Cyprus and the term shareholder includes the holder of a unit or share in an open-ended or close-ended collective investment scheme (CIS) and, in the case of a public corporate body, the Republic of Cyprus. Any deemed dividend in the case of a CIS is subject to SDC at 3%. The deemed distribution is reduced by the amount of actual dividends declared and paid out of the profits of the year to which the profits refer and the two years following it. Actual dividends paid after the deemed distribution are subject to SDC only on the additional dividends remaining after deducting any deemed dividend. A non-cyprus tax resident receiving a dividend emanating from profits which at any stage were subject to deemed distribution, is eligible to a refund. Liquidation of a company Profits not distributed, or not having been deemed to have been distributed, are deemed to be distributed on liquidation. The liquidation of an open-ended or closeended CIS falls within this regulation. Reduction of capital and deemed dividends The redemption of a unit or share in an open-ended or close-ended CIS does not constitute a reduction of capital and is not therefore liable to SDC. 30

35 CAPITAL GAINS TAX Companies and individuals are subject to capital gains tax at the rate of 20% on gains arising from the disposal of: immovable property situated in Cyprus shares in a company which owns immovable property situated in Cyprus (excluding shares listed on any recognised stock exchange) Indexation allowance applies on the market value of the immovable property at 1 January 1980 (or on the actual cost of acquisition of and improvements to the property if acquired later). Life-time tax-free capital gains Individuals are entitled to a life-time exemption from capital gain on the following: Disposal of private residence (under certain conditions) Disposal of agricultural land by a farmer Any other disposal of immovable property Deductions based on a combination of the above are restricted to a maximum amount of Exemptions transfers on death gifts between spouses and relatives up to third degree gifts to family companies provided the shareholders continue to be members of the family for five years after the date of transfer gifts by a family company, of which all shareholders are members of the same family, to any of its shareholders, provided that the property gifted had itself been acquired by the company by way of gift. In case of subsequent disposal the donee cannot use his life time exemption if he disposes of the property 31

36 before the lapse of at least three years from the date of transfer of the property to his/her name gifts to approved charitable institutions or a local authority for educational, or other charitable purpose disposal of property under the Compulsory Acquisition Law gifts to the Republic of Cyprus where the indexed value (or the indexed cost of acquisition if later) of the property given under an exchange of property is less than the sales proceeds value of the property received, the gain reinvested in the property received is exempt exchange or disposal of immovable property under the agricultural land (consolidation) laws gain on disposal of shares which are listed on any recognised stock exchange transfers of shares as a result of company reorganisations ESTATE DUTY Estate Duty has been abolished for deaths on or after 1 January However, the legal representative of a deceased person is required to submit to the Inland Revenue a statement of assets and liabilities within six months from the date of death. All outstanding tax obligations have to be settled before the estate of the deceased can be distributed to the beneficiaries. 32

37 SOCIAL GRANTS Blind person 3.417,20 Children which are attending full-time higher education in Cyprus or abroad 2.562,90 Child grant All families resident in Cyprus are entitled to basic and additional annual child grants, as indicated in the table below, provided they satisfy certain provisions. No. of children Basic allowance Additional allowance for family income of year 2007 up to Additional allowance for family income of year 2007 between and ,30 102,82 51, ,62 411,30 308,47 3 (per child) 822,61 308,48 257,06 4+ (per child) 1.357,31 452,43 282,77 33

38 SOCIAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS Employer s contribution 6.8% Maximum earnings on which contributions are Employee s contribution 6.8% payable: per week per month per annum Self employed individual 12.6% Based on a minimum income specified for the various professions and vocations OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS BY EMPLOYER Social cohesion fund 2,0% Applies to total emoluments, without any restriction Redundancy fund 1,2% Industrial training fund 0,5% Holiday fund 8,0% Unless exempt due to the existence of other acceptable arrangements 34

39 STAMP DUTY Contracts First % Over % Without fixed sum 34,17 Ceiling on stamp duty payment Certified copies of agreements 1,71 Power of attorney For a specific transaction 1,71 General 5,13 Bill of exchange Payable on demand or at sight 85 cent Payable otherwise As for a contract Bill of lading 3,42 Cheques 5,13 cent Custom documents Vessel s manifest for export or import of goods 34,17 Charter party 17,09 Letter of credit 1,71 Letter of guarantee 3,42 Issue of a certificate of residence 80 Receipts For sums between 3,42 and 34,17 For sums over 34,17 Exemptions 3,42 cent 6,83 cent transactions made in the course of a company reorganisation transactions relating to any property situated outside the Republic or to any matter or thing to be performed or done outside the Republic, irrespective of the place where it is executed 35

40 IMMOVABLE PROPERTY TRANSFER FEES Value per plot Rate % First , ,0 Over ,0 In the case of a transfer of property to a family company, the fees are refundable after five years if the property remains with the company and no person other than the donor or his/her close relatives (spouse or relatives up to the third degree of kindred) who were shareholders at the time of the transfer or other close relatives, has become shareholder In the case of property transferred from a family company to one of its members, provided that there is no consideration, the fees are calculated on the assessed value written on the title deed as follows: To a spouse 8% To a child 4% To a relative up to the 8% third degree in the case of company reorganisations, transfers of immovable property are not subject to transfer fees. 36

41 IMMOVABLE PROPERTY ANNUAL TAX Market value at 1 January 1980 Rate % First , ,35 Over ,40 COMPANY REGISTRATION FEES Authorised share capital There is a fixed fee of 102,52 plus 0,6% on the nominal amount of the authorised share capital. Subsequent increases of the authorised share capital are subject to a capital duty of 0,6%. Allotment of shares Each application for allotment of shares for cash or otherwise, whether at nominal value or at a premium, is subject to a flat fee of 17,09. 37

42 IMPORTANT DATES End of following month Payment of PAYE deducted from employees salaries Payment of social insurance contributions Payment of Special Defence Contribution deducted at source from interest and dividends paid Payment of Special Defence Contribution on interest and dividends received not deducted at source 30 April Submission of personal income tax return (form IR1) by individuals who are receiving salaried income and will not be filing annual accounts Submission of employer s payroll return (form IR7) for the previous year Payment by life insurance companies of first instalment of premium tax 30 June Payment of special contribution for defence on rental income for the first six months of the year Submission of personal income tax return (form IR1) by individuals who are self employed and will not be filing annual accounts 1 August Submission of provisional tax declaration (forms IR5, IR6) and payment of first instalment of provisional tax Payment of final corporation tax for the previous year under the self-assessment method 38

43 31 August Payment by life insurance companies of second instalment of premium tax 30 September Payment of second instalment of provisional tax Payment of immovable property tax for the year 31 December Submission of company s tax return (form IR4) for the previous year Payment of Special Defence Contribution on rental income for the second half of the year Payment of third and final instalment of provisional tax Payment by life insurance companies of third instalment of premium tax Submission of personal income tax return (form IR1) by individuals who are filing annual accounts INTEREST AND PENALTIES As of 1 January 2010, the interest rate for late payment has been amended to 5,35%. From January 2007 up to December 2009 the interest for late payment was 8% per annum. Penalties are also imposed in certain cases depending on the circumstances. 39

44 For further information and advice, contact your nearest office below: LEFKOSIA LIMASSOL George Karavis Agiou Nicolaou Street Nimeli Court, Block C, Engomi P.O. Box Lefkosia Cyprus T F E george.karavis@gtcyprus.com Augoustinos Papathomas 10 Filiou Zannetou Street P.O. Box Limassol Cyprus T F E august@gtcyprus.com 40

45 Certified Public Accountants (Cy) Member firm within Grant Thornton International Ltd Grant Thornton Cyprus is a member firm within Grant Thornton International Ltd (Grant Thornton International). Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered independently by the member firms Grant Thornton. All rights reserved.